Authorities of the Nigerian army have vowed to punish decisively soldiers who assaulted journalists along the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, secretariat in Umuahia on Tuesday.

The soldiers reportedly beat the journalists, seized and smashed their mobile phones and other recording devices because they (the army) were being filmed by the journalists carrying out their legitimate duties. This was as the soldiers were allegedly trying to barricade the residence of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

While reacting to the incident, Oyegoke Badamosi, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Army 14 Brigade in Ohafia, said preliminary investigation has revealed that soldiers indeed launched aggression against the reporters who were on their legitimate duties.

According to him, “What happened was that while the soldiers were on patrol near the Abia State NUJ Secretariat, they noticed some people filming them.

“Unfortunately, they seized and damaged their recording devices; an iPad and 2 mobile phones. Preliminary investigation shows that the items belong to journalists on their legitimate duties.

“Consequently, the Commander 14 Brigade and Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division waded into the matter which has since been resolved amicably.”